RIYADH, 3 November — In every major campaign, errors are bound to happen. But the tragedy comes when the protagonists refuse to learn from their mistakes.

With this in mind, members of the International Coalition on Overseas Filipinos Voting Rights (ICOFVR) in Riyadh have met to assess themselves after a series of encounters with various officials and dignitaries from home who were on a visit to the Kingdom.

Their verdict: OFWs could maximize the benefits from these meetings if they get their act together and speak with one, coherent voice.

What triggered the assessment session was the meeting between Filipino community leaders with Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senator Robert “Jawo” Jaworski late last month at the Philippine Embassy here in Riyadh.

As observed by ICOVR members themselves, the participants were caught in a clumsy disposition during the question and answer portion of the forum, with many “unrehearsed” queries backfiring.

“We were not able to come out with a common position as to what type and level of questions to be raised,” Rashid Fabricante told his co-convenors on the Internet.

He added that relying on individual guts and instincts had created some undue impressions from the panel.

“I was not satisfied with the quality of the questions,” said Alfred Ganapin, also a convenor, and added that in formulating a question, one must think hard about it and how it would affect the group.

Questions and suggestions varied from whether Drilon would run on 2004 elections or not, to veto the Absentee Voting Bill at all if the Senate version would not be approved by the bicameral conference committee, to the war claims of Filipinos during the Gulf crisis in 1991, and to establishment of an agency to provide employment to returning OFWs to the Philippines.

While appearing to be friendly and accommodating, Drilon cautioned forum participants that in lobbying, especially in this crucial moments for the AVB, OFWs should give the congressmen their due respect as members of Congress.

“I’ve heard complaints from congressmen that ‘mukhang tinatakot pa sila’ and this will not do us any good. They are also human. Be persuasive but do not show anger,” he said.

“From what I gathered from his statement, Senate President Drilon was alluding to the T.A.L.S.I.K. campaign that prompted Congressman Zamora to make a privilege speech in Congress strongly denouncing it,” campaigner Mike Bolos told Arab News.

T.A.L.S.I.K. is an acronym for Tanggalin ang mga Lintek, Sagabal, at Inutil na mga Kongresista, a campaign originated from the Filipino groups in the United States.

Bolos clarified that there was no threat made albeit a promise was there to boot out of office those who are obstructing the passage of the AVB.

All of it would not have been necessary, however, if only Congress had done its job of providing a system for absentee voting by qualified Filipinos abroad as mandated by the Constitution 15 years ago, the campaigners said.

“The overseas Filipinos have the right to be angry. It is natural for many to be angry after waiting for 15 years of inaction. Our ultimate goal is to have absentee voting. We can get there by either walking on our knees or riding on a tank,” added Vic Barrazona.

During the forum, Drilon, nonetheless, assured that the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee is under obligation to defend the Senate version.

The House version seeks to allow overseas Filipinos to vote only for the president and vice president, but not for senators and party-list representatives, in contravention of what the Philippine Constitution provides.

The House version also places a “sunset” provision, which says that the absentee voting would be just a one-time affair and that it’s up to Congress whether to extend it or not.

“I cannot see why the House of Representatives will not concede this point insofar as elections of senators and party list representatives are concerned,” Drilon said.

But he reminded OFWs that “the fight is not yet over” and suggested that they continue the e-mail campaign to the members of Congress.

“Make them know how you feel about this particular provision to vote not only for the president and vice presidents, but senators and party-list representatives as well, so that we would come strongly for the Senate version to be followed,” Drilon added.

Campaigner Ronnie Abeto said overseas Filipinos, whether as members of groups or as individuals, need to help in every way they can. “Until we got what we want, we have to intensify our campaign to the fullest,” he said.